U.S.F. St^rm Phila.

Port Royal S.C.

Oct . 11^th 1864

 

Sis:—

                        I received your letter of the 4^th yesterday, in the Fulton's mail. I have not heard from Harry since I was over to see him.

 

There has been nothing doing since I last wrote, not even the Admiral has not left the ship on a trip to Charleston as he has done of late. As there is nothing doing of course I have nothing to write. But as a mail is leaving tomorrow I will let you know by it that I am still well and flourishing in a place, I dare say, if you would have seen one year ago you would not expect a letter from me at this time. I must say, when I think / of it, it surprises me that I have not been in the hands of the Dr. before this.

 

As the Presidential Election is drawing close, it causes a great deal of talk here among the men, and a great many are strong for Little Mac.

 

You speak of a R. Convention that was to be held in Lancaster. I suppose Jack will be shure to attend, for I do not suppose he has changed his opinion in regard to Old Abe. I suppose the Express will give a full account of the proceeding with the speaches which I will ask you to send me. As I am speaking of the Express I will tell you that of all the papers you send me it is always the first to be read. I suppose you will think I am excited about the election. I cannot say I am excited, but I am much interested as to how the / election goes for I think if the right man is elected it will satisfy them that the North is determand to fight it out with out asking for any terms from armed Rebels. Sis, write me the general opinion of the neighborhood as far as you are able to know.

 

The news is still encourageing and I think by the time the next President takes his seat there will be but little to do as far as fighting is concerned.

 

Rebel deserters are coming over continually but I have not much faith in them, however it showes they are getting ashamed of their company. Since I have writen to you I have seen two men that have been lately confined at Andersonville, and by being removed it gave them a chance to escape, and if you only could see them your only / wonder would be how they managed to get here, for you would not think them able if they even had permishion. They where here more than a day in charge of the Dr. and they looked so very skelitonlike and tired out, that I did not like to trouble them with any question. But I asked one (a boy I judge about my age, but taller and much stouter frame) to what Regt he belonged, and how he escaped. He said he belonged to the 105^th N.Y. and crept out between the sentries at one of the Charleston prisons at night. He said he was confined six month at Andersonville. This is all I know about either of the two men I have just mentioned. But the terable condition they where in spoke more than words as to how they have been used for so many long months. I have seen a number of prisoners from Andersonville but none in the frightful condition that these two men I have spoken of are in It is very strange these dieing thousands cannot be exchanged and released from the hands of the hungry savages. The cause will be known some time, and whosever sholders it will come upon must answer / for a great crime.

 

            There was on board this afternoon a Capt. belonging to the 56^th Penna Artl. He had just escaped from the Rebels by purchaseing a Rebel suit.

 

The weather is getting very cold here for the climate, especially at nights. I think the change of seasons are just as severe on a person here as they are north. I will now close wishing to be remembered to all.

Charley.

 

Miss M. E. Leaman

Leaman Place

Lan^c Co.

Pena.

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